Readmissions to a Pediatric Ward: An Eleven-Year Experience in a Portuguese Hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric readmissions have received increased attention in the past few years. Distinguishing between planned and unplanned readmissions and between preventable and unpreventable ones constitutes an important target to better understand this thematic. The aim of this study was to analyze the readmission rate and characterize the population readmitted within a 30-day period after discharge in the pediatric ward of a level II hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational retrospective single center study of the pediatric patients who were discharged from a level II hospital, between 2009 and 2019, and had at least one readmission within 30 days after discharge. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from the analysis of the patient's medical records. We considered as potentially preventable all the unplanned readmissions that were related with the index admission. RESULTS: From the 6879 admissions during the study period, 4.8% resulted in readmissions within the next 30 days. Excluding the planned readmissions, the seven, 15 and 30-day readmission rates were respectively 1.7%, 2.7% and 3.9%. Most of the unplanned readmissions (77%) were considered as potentially preventable. Patients reevaluated in the Pediatric Day Hospital after discharge had shorter intervals to readmission. Readmissions due to decompensation of chronic disease were more likely related with the index admission. Patients with chronic disease, as well as patients with neurological impairment were more likely to have multiple readmissions. CONCLUSION: We found a low overall readmission rate, but a higher percentage of potentially preventable readmissions, when compared with the available literature.

Introdução: Nos últimos anos, os reinternamentos pediátricos têm sido alvo de atenção crescente. Distinguir reinternamentos programados de não programados, e os que podem ou não ser evitados constituem aspetos importantes para a melhor compreensão desta temática. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a taxa de reinternamentos e caracterizar a população reinternada até 30 dias após a alta numa enfermaria de Pediatria de um hospital de nível II. Material e Métodos: Estudo observacional retrospetivo dos doentes com alta da enfermaria de Pediatria de um hospital de nível II, entre 2009 e 2019, e que tiveram pelo menos um reinternamento até 30 dias após a alta. Dados clínicos e demográficos foram obtidos a partir da análise dos processos clínicos. Considerámos potencialmente evitáveis os reinternamentos não programados relacionadas com o internamento índex. Resultados: Das 6879 admissões durante o período de estudo, 4,8% resultaram em reinternamento até 30 dias. Excluindo os reinternamentos programados, a taxa de reinternamento até sete, 15 e 30 dias foi, respetivamente, 1,7%, 2,7% e 3,9%. A maioria dos reinternamentos não programadas (77%) foi considerada potencialmente evitável. Os doentes reavaliados em Hospital de Dia após a alta apresentaram um menor intervalo até ao reinternamento. Os reinternamentos devido à descompensação de doença crónica apresentaram maior probabilidade de estarem relacionados com o internamento índex. Doentes com doença crónica e com compromisso neurológico apresentaram maior probabilidade de terem múltiplos reinternamentos. Conclusão: Em comparação com a literatura disponível, foi identificada uma baixa taxa global de reinternamentos, mas uma percentagem superior de reinternamentos potencialmente evitáveis.

Behçet's disease: a case report about a rare cause of intra-cardiac mass.

BACKGROUND: Intra-cardiac masses are always a challenging diagnosis, especially when it involves the right side of the heart. There are multiples aetiologies that can be responsible for these masses, namely thrombosis, neoplasm, or vegetations. Occasionally, these may be related to an autoimmune process not yet diagnosed. We present a case of a 17-year-old patient with an exuberant right ventricular mass due to a not yet diagnosed Behçet's disease. The best approach and treatment for these patients remains uncertain. CASE SUMMARY: The authors present a case of a 17-year-old patient with a right ventricular mass who presented as an initial manifestation of Behçet's disease. It was firstly assumed as a thrombotic mass and medicated with anticoagulation, with no resolution. After performing a cardiac magnetic resonance, the case was discussed in a multidisciplinary team, including cardiology, paediatrics, and rheumatology, and the diagnosis of Behçet's disease with cardiac complication was established. The patient started immunosuppressive therapy with clinical and echocardiographic response. DISCUSSION: Behçet's disease is a multi-systemic autoimmune vasculitis that usually manifests by recurrent oral and genital ulcers as well as ocular symptoms. Cardiac manifestations are rare but important aspects of the course of the disease, especially in what concerns morbidity burden. The treatment of these cardiovascular complications is generally empirical and involves the treatment of the underlying disease.

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn - An atypical case with typical complications.

Subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn should be considered in newborns with suggestive skin lesions, even in the absence of perinatal distress. SCFN may cause long-standing complications, like hypertriglyceridemia or hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can be refractory to therapy and lead to poor weight gain and nephrocalcinosis, which should be closely monitored.

Incidence of urinary tract infection after cystography / Incidência de infecção urinária após cistografia

ABSTRACT Objective: Cystography an invasive procedure with potential complications such as urinary infection (UI). There are few studies about the incidence of complications associated with this procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of post-cystography urinary infection (UI.). Methods: Retrospective study with a review of clinical records of patients under 15 years of age, followed in this hospital, who underwent cystography (radiologic or indirect radionuclide) between 2009 and 2018. Post-cystography UI was defined when it occurred until seven days after the procedure. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics were applied to assess possible predictive factors related with post-cystography UI. Results: In the study period, 531 cystograms were undertaken (55% indirect radionuclide and 45% radiologic). The mean age at the procedure was 11.5 months; 62% were boys. Every patient had a previous negative urine culture; 50% were under antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of the procedure. The most common indication for the procedure was the post-natal study of congenital hydronephrosis/other nephrological malformation (53%), followed by the study of febrile UI (31%). Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was diagnosed in 40% of procedures. Post-cystography UI occurred in 23 cases (incidence of 4.3%). The most frequent microorganism was E. coli (52%). The presence of VUR was significantly associated with the occurrence of post-cystography IU. Conclusions: The incidence of post-cystography UI was low in our sample. The presence of VUR was significantly associated with the occurrence of post-cystography UI. The authors highlight the importance of an adequate catheterization technique and the need for clinical surveillance after the procedure.

RESUMO Objetivo: A cistografia é um exame invasivo que apresenta potencial iatrogenia, nomeadamente infecção urinária (IU). Os estudos sobre a incidência de complicações associadas a esse exame são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a incidência de IU após realização de cistografia. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo por consulta dos prontuários clínicos dos doentes com idade inferior a 15 anos, seguidos em consulta nesse hospital, que realizaram cistografia (radiológica ou isotópica) entre 2009 e 2018. Admitiu-se relação de causalidade quando o diagnóstico de IU ocorreu até sete dias após a realização do exame. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva e utilizados testes não paramétricos para avaliar possíveis fatores preditores da ocorrência de IU após cistografia. Resultados: Realizaram-se 531 cistografias (55% isotópicas e 45% radiológicas). A mediana de idade foi de 11,5 meses; 62% eram do sexo masculino. Todos os doentes efetuaram urocultura prévia (negativa); 50% recebiam profilaxia antibiótica (ATB) à data do exame. A indicação mais frequente foi o estudo pós-natal de hidronefrose (HN) congênita/outra malformação nefrourológica (53%), seguida do estudo da IU febril (31%). Documentou-se refluxo vesicoureteral (RVU) em 40% dos exames. Ocorreu IU após cistografia em 23 casos (incidência de 4,3%). O microrganismo mais frequente foi a E. coli (52%). Verificou-se associação entre a presença de RVU e a ocorrência de IU. Conclusões: A incidência de IU pós-cistografia foi relativamente baixa na amostra deste estudo. Observou-se associação entre a ocorrência de IU após cistografia e a presença de RVU. Sublinha-se a importância de uma técnica adequada de cateterização vesical e da vigilância clínica após o exame.

INCIDENCE OF URINARY TRACT INFECTION AFTER CYSTOGRAPHY.

OBJECTIVE: Cystography an invasive procedure with potential complications such as urinary infection (UI). There are few studies about the incidence of complications associated with this procedure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of post-cystography urinary infection (UI.). METHODS: Retrospective study with a review of clinical records of patients under 15 years of age, followed in this hospital, who underwent cystography (radiologic or indirect radionuclide) between 2009 and 2018. Post-cystography UI was defined when it occurred until seven days after the procedure. Descriptive and nonparametric statistics were applied to assess possible predictive factors related with post-cystography UI. RESULTS: In the study period, 531 cystograms were undertaken (55% indirect radionuclide and 45% radiologic). The mean age at the procedure was 11.5 months; 62% were boys. Every patient had a previous negative urine culture; 50% were under antibiotic prophylaxis at the time of the procedure. The most common indication for the procedure was the post-natal study of congenital hydronephrosis/other nephrological malformation (53%), followed by the study of febrile UI (31%). Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) was diagnosed in 40% of procedures. Post-cystography UI occurred in 23 cases (incidence of 4.3%). The most frequent microorganism was E. coli (52%). The presence of VUR was significantly associated with the occurrence of post-cystography IU. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of post-cystography UI was low in our sample. The presence of VUR was significantly associated with the occurrence of post-cystography UI. The authors highlight the importance of an adequate catheterization technique and the need for clinical surveillance after the procedure.

Autoimmune Pancreatitis in an Adolescent: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a distinct subtype of pancreatitis, rare in the pediatric population. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood. A pancreatic focal mass is frequently the clinical presentation, which imposes the differential diagnosis with a pancreatic tumor. This distinction is essential because the treatment of pancreatic tumors is surgical in contrast to the treatment of AIP, which is pharmacological. We describe a case of a 16-year-old girl with AIP who presented with obstructive jaundice, weight loss, fatigue, and a pancreatic mass. This case emphasizes the importance of considering this diagnosis to correctly treat and prevent an abusive pancreatic resection.

A pancreatite autoimmune (PAI) é um subtipo distinto de pancreatite, raro na população pediátrica, e com fisiopatologia ainda pouco conhecida. A apresentação clínica com massa pancreática é frequente, o que impõe o diagnóstico diferencial com neoplasia pancreática. A distinção entre estas duas entidades é fundamental uma vez que o tratamento dos tumores pancreáticos é cirúrgico, ao contrário da terapêutica farmacológica da PAI. Descrevemos o caso de uma adolescente de 16 anos diagnosticada com PAI, cujas manifestações clínicas foram icterícia obstrutiva, perda de peso, fadiga e massa pancreática. Realçamos a importância da suspeição e reconhecimento deste diagnóstico, para uma adequada intervenção terapêutica, que pode obstar a uma abusiva resseção pancreática.

Rib osteomyelitis: a rare complication of varicella / Osteomielite de arco costal: uma complicação rara de varicela

ABSTRACT Objective: To report a case of varicella complicated by acute osteomyelitis in order to remind of a rare and potentially serious complication of a very common pediatric disease. Case description: A previously healthy 3-month-old female infant with 10-day history of varicella was admitted to the hospital for fever, groan and prostration. The initial laboratorial evaluation was compatible with bacterial sepsis. By the third day after admission, a swelling of the seventh left rib had developed. The ultrasound and scintigraphy evaluation suggested rib osteomyelitis. Blood cultures were negative. The patient completed six weeks of antibiotics with favorable clinical, laboratorial and imaging evolution. Comments: Varicella is one of the most frequent exanthematic diseases of childhood and it is usually self-limited. The most frequent complication is bacterial infection of cutaneous lesions. Osteoarticular complications are rare, and rib osteomyelitis is described in less than 1% of cases. The main route of dissemination is hematogenic, and the most frequent etiological agent is Staphylococcus aureus. The prognosis is generally good and depends on early detection and antibiotic initiation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever um caso de varicela complicada de osteomielite aguda a fim de alertar para a complicação rara e potencialmente grave de uma doença muito frequente em idade pediátrica. Descrição do caso: Lactente de três meses, previamente saudável, internada por um quadro de febre, prostração e gemido, num contexto de varicela com cerca de dez dias de evolução, com avaliação inicial compatível com sepse de etiologia bacteriana. No terceiro dia de internação, observou-se uma tumefação na sétima costela esquerda. A avaliação ecográfica e cintilográfica mostraram alterações sugestivas de osteomielite de arco costal. As hemoculturas foram negativas. Recebeu antibioticoterapia por seis semanas e evoluiu favoravelmente do ponto de vista clínico, laboratorial e ecográfico. Comentários: A varicela é uma das doenças exantemáticas mais frequentes da infância, sendo habitualmente autolimitada. A complicação mais frequente é a infecção bacteriana secundária das lesões cutâneas, sendo raras as complicações osteoarticulares. O arcabouço costal é uma localização excepcional de osteomielite, descrita em menos de 1% dos casos. A principal via de disseminação é a hematogênica, e o agente mais frequente, o Staphylococcus aureus. O prognóstico é geralmente bom, quando a antibioticoterapia se institui precocemente.

RIB OSTEOMYELITIS: A RARE COMPLICATION OF VARICELLA.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of varicella complicated by acute osteomyelitis in order to remind of a rare and potentially serious complication of a very common pediatric disease. CASE DESCRIPTION: A previously healthy 3-month-old female infant with 10-day history of varicella was admitted to the hospital for fever, groan and prostration. The initial laboratorial evaluation was compatible with bacterial sepsis. By the third day after admission, a swelling of the seventh left rib had developed. The ultrasound and scintigraphy evaluation suggested rib osteomyelitis. Blood cultures were negative. The patient completed six weeks of antibiotics with favorable clinical, laboratorial and imaging evolution. COMMENTS: Varicella is one of the most frequent exanthematic diseases of childhood and it is usually self-limited. The most frequent complication is bacterial infection of cutaneous lesions. Osteoarticular complications are rare, and rib osteomyelitis is described in less than 1% of cases. The main route of dissemination is hematogenic, and the most frequent etiological agent is Staphylococcus aureus. The prognosis is generally good and depends on early detection and antibiotic initiation.

[The Experience of a Protocol for the Management of Pediatric Minor Head Injury: A Three Years Longitudinal Study]. / A Experiência duma Norma de Atuação no Traumatismo Crânio-Encefálico Ligeiro em Idade Pediátrica: Estudo Longitudinal de Três Anos.

INTRODUCTION: Head injury is common in children, with mostly being minor and not resulting in intracranial injury. Computerized tomography head scan is the preferred exam, but implies exposure to radiation; the indications for computerized tomography head scan in minor injuries are not consensual. An expectant approach is a good option in most cases. The aim was to compare the patients hospitalized and subjected to computerized tomography head scan with patients hospitalized but not subjected to computerized tomography head scan in order to assess the safety of our institution's practice protocol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analytical longitudinal retrospective study, during three years, including patients younger than 15 years of age with minor head injury, admitted for in hospital surveillance through a paediatric emergency room. We defined two study groups: group A (hospitalized with computerized tomography head scan) and group B (hospitalized without computerized tomography head scan). RESULTS: Study sample consisting of 206 patients: 81 (39%) group A and 125 (61%) group B. Symptoms, including vomiting, were more frequent in group B (91% and 61% vs 75% and 35%, p < 0.05); large scalp hematoma and palpable fracture in group A (11% and 12% vs 0%, p < 0.05). We performed computerized tomography head scan in 39% of the study patients (children with red flags in the physical examination or unfavourable course during hospitalization); 43% had traumatic brain injury (29 patients had fracture, 18 patients had intracranial injury). Three patients underwent neurosurgery. We did not register deaths, readmissions or neurologic sequelae. DISCUSSION: Significant intracranial injury was infrequent. The hospitalization and surveillance of children and adolescents with symptomatic minor head injury, without red flags in the physical examination, did not seem to result in additional risks. CONCLUSION: The careful selection of patients for computerized tomography head scan enabled a decrease in the number of these exams and the exposure to ionizing radiation.

Introdução: Os traumatismos crânio-encefálicos são frequentes em Pediatria, habitualmente ligeiros e sem lesões intracranianas. A tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica é o exame de eleição, implicando radiação ionizante, não existindo consenso nas indicações nos traumatismos crânio-encefálicos ligeiros. Uma atitude expectante é uma opção adequada na maioria dos casos. Os autores pretenderam comparar os doentes internados e submetidos a tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica com os doentes internados sem tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica, inferindo a segurança da norma de atuação em vigor na nossa instituição. Material e Métodos: Estudo analítico longitudinal retrospetivo, durante três anos, de doentes com menos de 15 anos admitidos na Urgência Pediátrica e internados por traumatismos crânio-encefálicos ligeiros. Amostra organizada num grupo A (internados com tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica) e num grupo B (internados sem tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica). Resultados: Amostra de estudo constituída por 206 doentes: 81 (39%) grupo A e 125 (61%) grupo B. Sintomas, nomeadamente vómitos, foram mais frequentes no grupo B (91% e 61% vs 75% e 35%, p < 0,05); hematoma epicraniano volumoso e afundamento ósseo no grupo A (11% e 12% vs 0%, p < 0,05). Realizou-se tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica em 39% dos doentes estudados (crianças com sinais de alarme à observação ou evolução não favorável durante o internamento); 43% tinham alterações (29 doentes apresentavam fratura, 18 doentes apresentavam lesões intracranianas). Três doentes foram submetidos a neurocirurgia. Não registámos óbitos, reinternamentos ou sequelas neurológicas. Discussão: As lesões intracranianas clinicamente significativas foram pouco frequentes. A atitude preconizada de vigilância hospitalar das crianças e adolescentes com traumatismos crânio-encefálicos ligeiros sintomáticos, sem alterações significativas ao exame objetivo, não pareceu ter implicado riscos acrescidos. Conclusão: A utilização criteriosa da tomografia computorizada crânio-encefálica permitiu reduzir o número de exames e a exposição a radiação ionizante.

[Acute gastroenteritis by Cambylobacter spp: a retrospective study of a paediatric emergency department]. / Gastroenterite Aguda por Campylobacter Spp: Casuística de uma Urgência Pediátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Infection by Cambylobacter occurs worldwide and represents the main cause of acute bacterial gastroenteritis within the European Union. AIMS: Determine the prevalence of Campylobacter in stool cultures from patients with gastroenteritis and study their microbiological, epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profiles, as well as associated complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review of clinical files of patients presenting to the paediatric emergency department of a general district hospital over a 30 month period with an acute gastroenteritis and a Campylobacter isolated in a stool specimen. RESULTS: Out of 216 stool cultures, 98 (45%) were positive. We identified Campylobacter in 49 (50%) cases; 30 (61%) were female. Median age was 23 months. Fourteen patients were under one year of age, 25 between one and five years old and 10 patients were over five years old. Watery diarrhea was identified in 5 (10%) patients, bloody diarrhea in 44 (90%) and mucosanguineous in 14 (29%), while 23 (47%) had fever, 14 (29%) complained of abdominal pain and 11 (22%) presented with vomiting. One patient was septic. Five patients were admitted as inpatients. Eight patients were treated with azithromycin. DISCUSSION: This is the largest published national series on gastroenteritis by Campylobacter in children and the first in the south region. Campylobacter was the main bacteria isolated. Infection was self-resolving in the majority of cases. Nevertheless, severe forms of this infection should be considered. Increased resistance to quinolones is worrisome. CONCLUSION: Judicious use of stool cultures allows etiological identification of bacterial gastroenteritis. The increase in Campylobacter cases reinforces the need for better control of hygiene measures in handling food products.

Introdução: A infeção por Campylobacter é a principal causa de gastroenterite aguda bacteriana pediátrica na União Europeia.Objetivos: Conhecer a prevalência de isolamento deste agente nas crianças admitidas na urgência com gastroenterite aguda que realizaram coprocultura, caracterizando a microbiologia, epidemiologia, clínica, terapêutica e complicações associadas.Material e Métodos: Casuística por consulta dos processos dos doentes admitidos na Urgência Pediátrica dum hospital distrital, durante 30 meses, com o diagnóstico de gastroenterite aguda e isolamento em coprocultura de Campylobacter.Resultados: Das 216 coproculturas efetuadas, 98 (45%) foram positivas. Identificámos Campylobacter spp. em 49 (50%) doentes. Destes, 30 (61%) eram do género feminino. A mediana de idades foi 23 meses. Catorze doentes tinham idade inferior a um ano, 25 entre um e cinco anos e 10 idade superior a cinco anos. Verificámos diarreia aquosa em cinco (10%) doentes, diarreia com sangue em 44 (90%), sangue e muco em 14 (29%), febre em 23 (47%), dor abdominal em 14 (29%) e vómitos em 11 (22%). Registámos um caso de sépsis. Internámos cinco doentes. Oito doentes foram medicados com azitromicina.Discussão: Esta é a maior casuística nacional publicada de gastroenterite aguda a Campylobacter em idade pediátrica e a primeira no sul do país. Campylobacter foi a principal bactéria identificada, associada maioritariamente a doença auto-limitada. Contudo, há a considerar formas de infeção graves. O aumento da resistência às quinolonas é preocupante.Conclusão: A utilização criteriosa da coprocultura permite a identificação etiológica na gastrenterite aguda bacteriana. O crescente aumento dos casos de Campylobacter diagnosticados reforça a necessidade de maior controlo das medidas de higiene na manipulação dos alimentos.

Seizures as a presentation of a pelvic neuroblastoma in a 5-month-old infant.

Epilepsy is a very uncommon first manifestation of a neuroblastoma. A 5-month-old healthy infant presented with acute onset seizures and developmental regression. Extensive investigation was remarkable for urinary vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid peaks. Abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a presacral unresectable pelvic neuroblastoma. Chemotherapy and monthly dexamethasone pulses were administrated. Seizures stopped 3 days after the first pulse of dexamethasone. At 3-year follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic and has normal neurologic and developmental examinations. This case illustrates an impressive clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) improvement on corticosteroid therapy, raising several hypotheses, including the possibility of a nonclassic paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome.

Unilateral optic neuritis as a presentation of neurobrucellosis.

Neurobrucellosis manifesting as optic neuritis is a rare disease in childhood. We report a case of neurobrucellosis in a 11 year old girl leading to visual impairment and headache. Physical examination revealed mild oedema of right tibiotarsic joint and optic neuritis. Investigations showed CSF pleocytosis and a Brucella serum agglutination titer of 1/640. Complete reversal of the symptoms was observed after appropriate antibiotic treatment. To our knowledge only four cases of neurobrucellosis manifesting with visual impairment in childhood are previously reported in literature.

[Multicystic dysplastic kidney. In defense of a conservative experience]. / Displasia renal multiquística: em defesa de uma experiência conservadora.

INTRODUCTION: Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MDK) is one of the most common congenital anomalies of the urinary tract and the main cystic renal disease in children. Our institution follow-up protocol of MDK uses, as has been performed more widely in the last two decades, a conservative attitude. OBJECTIVES: To characterize MDK cases followed in our Outpatient Clinic of Pediatric Nephrology, evaluate their progress and reflect on the protocol adopted. METHODS: 36 MDK patients observed between January 1995 and December 2009 were included in this retrospective study and followed-up. In 35 children the diagnosis was the result of prenatal ultrasound. All children underwent a systematic protocol, including conservative treatment (no surgery) and periodic clinical, laboratory and ultrasound evaluation. All children underwent a MAG3 renogram or a 99mTc-DMSA renal scintigraphy and a voiding cystourethrography, only repeated in cases of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). RESULTS: Eighteen children (50%) are male. The median age of first visit was four weeks. The median of follow-up was 65 months. The MDK was in the left kidney in 20 children (56%). The median age of onset was 10 and six weeks Contralateral nephro-urologic pathology was identified in 10 cases (28%): seven children with VUR (grade ≥ IV in three), two with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) and one with mild pelvic dilatation. There was involution of dysplastic kidney in 27 cases (75%), partial in 24 and total in three. The involution rate was higher in the first 36 months. There was a progressive compensatory hypertrophy of the contralateral kidney, with the highest rate in the first two years of life. There was resolution of VUR in five of the seven units reflux (three spontaneous and two after ureteral reimplantation). The two children with UPJO underwent surgery. There was no malignant degeneration and there was not carry out any nephrectomy of dysplastic kidney. Urinary infection occurred in nine children (25%), three of which have VUR and two with UPJO. There were no cases of hypertension or decreased glomerular filtration rate. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are generally consistent with other casuistics and confirm the fairness of a conservative attitude in the approach of children with MDK. This clinical approach is safe, with a minimum incidence of complications, with tendency to involution of dysplasic kidney being the rule.

Complicated meningitis caused by a rare serotype of Haemophilus influenzae in Portugal.

We report a case of meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae serotype d strain in an infant. As far as we know, this is the first report of a serotype d strain, responsible for childhood invasive disease in Europe, demonstrating an emerging of H. influenzae non-b serotype, in the post-vaccination era.

Acute pancreatitis associated with varicella infection in an immunocompetent child.

Acute pancreatitis associated with varicella-zoster infection is a rare event, particularly in immunocompetent children. We report on a case of acute pancreatitis in a 6-year old girl presenting with acute abdominal pain less than 72 hours after the onset of a typical vesicular rash. The diagnosis was confirmed through hyperamylasaemia, ultrasonographic findings of oedematous pancreatitis and acute seroconversion to varicella-zoster virus, after excluding more common causes of acute pancreatitis. Conservative treatment was initiated, with complete resolution of symptoms and absence of local or systemic complications on follow up. A review of the literature revealed only three previously reported cases, with very different outcomes, highlighting the need to consider this potentially fatal complication in every child presenting with acute abdominal pain during the course of varicella disease.